Hello From South Carolina

[Carolinaboy]

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af27...CF0519.jpg

I live in Moncks Corner, SC on about 1.2 acre's of land. Since 1967, I have owned Shelties. Great little dogs, but bark a lot. Last year, my Sheltie passed away at 14 and I had no intentions of getting another dog. But, after a couple of months, I changed my mind.

I had always been curious about Border Collie's. After all, Border Collie's were bred for herding and so were Shelties. So, shouldn't be a problem, right? All I can say is, I should have done my research first.

Last June, I got my first ever Border Collie. She was 2 months old and the cutiest puppy I ever saw. Named her Abby. It didn't take long before me and Abby were at odds with each other seeing who was going to be boss. All I can say is everything they say about Border Collies is true. They are very intelligent, stubborn, energetic, and not for families used to laid back dogs. I didn't have her three months and my wife of 40 years was threatening to divorce me.

So, me and Abby started going to training classes. Even the trainer was getting frustrated with her because of her stubborness. Finally, me and Abby agree'd that the classes were stressing her out and we figured we could do it by ourselves. And let me say, a trainer I'm not.

The greatest thing about Abby was watching her start changing on her own. It was like she realized how upset she was getting us and figured out it was time to cooperate. So far, she does great at catching a frisbee and tennis ball and loves her little football and a toy we call "atom" becuase that's what it looks like.

Abby has become my little "buddy" and will not let me out of her sight and loves to go riding. What can I say, my wife and I love her to death.

The only "issues" we have with her is the digging (we used to have a nice yard) and her jumping and nipping when she get's excited. We are trying to find ways to break her of those.

Even though Abby initiall caused a lot of frustration and problems, we are very happy with her and the way she has turned out. For any new Border Collie owners, just be patient and work with your puppy. The results are very rewarding.

[tache]

Welcome!!

I used to live in the other corner of Berkeley County, between Wando and Huger, but that was B.B.C. (before Border Collies). Does Abby like to go to the Santee Canal Park, Mepkin Abbey, or the Francis Marion Forest? Such beautiful places!

[Toddsmom]

Welcome to the wonderful world of border collies! Far cry from a sheltie I'm afraid, but you've already found that out. Enjoy her! It seems that you are now a perfect match for each other!

[Oenoke]

Hi and welcome.

[kristinavb]

Hi there! When I first got Seamus my father thought I was crazy. He had a Sheltie with his first wife and hated the barking and all the other lovely habits Shelties have. It took a few months before he would even come visit because he was convinced Border Collies and Shelties were the same.

[RockysMum]

Hi and Welcome

[Vicky]

Hello and welcome.

[Arizahn]

Welcome! Glad to hear that Abby is improving.

[GreensMom]

Hi and welcome from Green and me.

[trickytrip]

Roo Roo A Doo and hello from Silky and me. Before I adopted Silky, I read that BC's are stubborn and they also hate to be given up on. The best way to get Silky's attention was to throw my hands up in disgust turn and walk away. She got it when we went back to it. BC's are so eager to do the right thing and failure is not a word they accept to describe them. Have fun, be firm and specific, turn away if she isn't listening, and most importantly be patient. When I think about it, even the people I know who are stubborn are perfectionists.

[KeithB]

Welcome

[jocap]

Welcome to you and your devoted dog.
Jo.

[Carolinaboy]

Thanks for the warm welcome

[Snow]

Welcome to the forums. Most likely your dog is digging because she is bored. Being a highly intelligent breed they need physical and mental stimulation. I highly recommend walking your dog daily for at least 30mins. They need to get out, they get 'cabin fever' too!